2025 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings and Draft Strategy Guide
Quarterbacks remain one of the most strategic positions in fantasy football. Their value is shaped by passing volume, rushing ability, and surrounding offensive talent. Elite quarterbacks separate themselves with rushing production or dual-threat capabilities, while later tiers provide high-upside prospects, breakout candidates, and reliable veterans.
In PPR formats, quarterbacks are slightly devalued compared to running backs and wide receivers since receptions dominate scoring, but they remain the cornerstone of weekly consistency. In standard leagues, quarterbacks gain greater importance, especially those who add rushing touchdowns and yardage to their passing stats. Below is a tiered breakdown of the Top 40 quarterbacks for the 2025 season, including bye weeks.
Tier 1: Elite Dual-Threats
These quarterbacks provide the ultimate fantasy edge. Their combination of passing volume and rushing upside makes them set-and-forget weekly starters who can win matchups single-handedly.
- Josh Allen (BUF), Bye 7
- Lamar Jackson (BAL), Bye 7
- Jayden Daniels (WAS), Bye 12
- Jalen Hurts (PHI), Bye 9
Tier 2: Proven Franchise Leaders
Safe, consistent, and tied to high-powered offenses, these quarterbacks rarely bust and often deliver top-5 finishes. They lack the elite rushing ceiling but provide week-to-week stability and high passing volume.
- Joe Burrow (CIN), Bye 10
- Patrick Mahomes II (KC), Bye 10
- Baker Mayfield (TB), Bye 9
Tier 3: High-Upside Starters
This group features established starters who can climb the top tier if health, scheme, and supporting cast align. They may be drafted later than Tier 1–2 but can provide similar upside at a discount.
- Bo Nix (DEN), Bye 12
- Kyler Murray (ARI), Bye 8
- Dak Prescott (DAL), Bye 10
- Justin Fields (NYJ), Bye 9
- Brock Purdy (SF), Bye 14
- Justin Herbert (LAC), Bye 12
Tier 4: Breakout Candidates and Risk-Reward Picks
A mix of young passers and inconsistent starters. Drafting from this tier is about chasing upside while accepting volatility. Several here could break into the top-10 conversation—or sink lineups with uneven production.
- Jared Goff (DET), Bye 8
- Caleb Williams (CHI), Bye 5
- Drake Maye (NE), Bye 14
- Jordan Love (GB), Bye 5
- Trevor Lawrence (JAC), Bye 8
- C.J. Stroud (HOU), Bye 6
- J.J. McCarthy (MIN), Bye 6
- Tua Tagovailoa (MIA), Bye 12
- Bryce Young (CAR), Bye 14
Tier 5: Mid-Tier
These quarterbacks won’t be every-week starters, but they offer matchup-based streaming value or serve as reliable QB2s in superflex formats. Many are best drafted late or left on waivers to pick up when needed.
- Michael Penix Jr. (ATL), Bye 5
- Matthew Stafford (LAR), Bye 8
- Geno Smith (LV), Bye 8
- Cameron Ward (TEN), Bye 10
- Sam Darnold (SEA), Bye 8
- Aaron Rodgers (PIT), Bye 5
- Anthony Richardson Sr. (IND), Bye 11
- Russell Wilson (NYG), Bye 14
- Daniel Jones (IND), Bye 11
- Joe Flacco (CLE), Bye 9
- Jaxson Dart (NYG), Bye 14
- Shedeur Sanders (CLE), Bye 9
Tier 6: Long Shots and Developmental Options
Best suited for dynasty leagues or as desperation plays in superflex formats. While the talent is intriguing, the roles are unstable, and fantasy managers will need patience and the right matchup to justify starting them.
- Spencer Rattler (NO), Bye 11
- Jalen Milroe (SEA), Bye 8
- Kirk Cousins (ATL), Bye 5
- Jameis Winston (NYG), Bye 14
- Kenny Pickett (CLE), Bye 9
Draft Strategy
Quarterback strategy in 2025 depends on league format and draft philosophy. In standard one-quarterback leagues, it often pays to wait until the middle rounds to grab a high-upside starter from Tiers 3 or 4 while loading up on running backs and wide receivers early. The difference between QB6 and QB15 is often narrower than at other positions, making patience a valuable tactic.
In superflex and two-quarterback formats, quarterback scarcity changes the game completely. Elite dual-threats in Tier 1 become first-round picks, while Tier 2 and Tier 3 options carry second- and third-round value. Depth also matters, which makes streaming veterans and developmental players in Tiers 5 and 6 worth stashing.
Ultimately, your approach should balance ceiling and stability. If you secure an elite dual-threat, pair them with a safe veteran or upside rookie later. If you pass on the early names, double-dip in the middle tiers to protect against inconsistency. The key is knowing your scoring system, bye weeks, and league tendencies, then playing the board with discipline.
